Art in the Thompson Okanagan is diverse: explore cultural districts surrounded by lakefront scenery, sample artisan food and wine, or discover independent artists who work from home-based studios and galleries.
Artistic works range from First Nations pictographs in Hedley to modern contemporary classics at the award-winning Kamloops Art Gallery. Many large sculptures can be seen throughout the Okanagan "Cultural Corridor", a 200km/120mi section of the Okanagan Valley that runs from Enderby in the north to Osoyoos in the south.
Interested in jewellery making? Have a “hands-on” experience digging opals from Canada’s first opal mine, located near Vernon, or buy a piece of jewellery made from this local treasure.
Artistic Communities and Popular Art Galleries
The arts are alive and thriving in Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton and Vernon. The Kelowna Cultural District is a pedestrian-friendly area that encompasses boutiques, restaurants, live theatre, music and public arts displays. Highlights include the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Rotary Centre for the Arts, and 11 major pieces of public art.
The Kamloops Art Gallery features an impressive array of work in an equally impressive building. Four different display areas highlight nearly 2,000 pieces of art with the focus on contemporary visual art.
Public Art
Kelowna features dozens of public art works. Memorable works include the oft-photographed version of the famous Ogopogo, the mythical “Lake Serpent Spirit” said to reside in Okanagan Lake.
“Spirit of Sail” is a large, white waterfront sculpture by local artist Robert Dow Reid that has become a symbol of the city. “Rhapsody”, located in Waterfront Park, features dolphins playing in a large fountain. “Reach for the Stars,” Kelowna’s largest mural at 50m/164ft wide by 8m/26ft high, covers the entire wall of a commercial building.
Enjoy super-sized art? Walk the streets of downtown Vernon and admire 26 giant murals which tell the story of the area’s history. Tour maps for a self guided walking tour are available from the Vernon Visitor Centre.
Aboriginal Art
Nk’Mip Desert Centre in Osoyoos features desert-themed sculptures and art of the Okanagan First Nations; visit the interpretive centre to get a glimpse of desert flora and fauna.
In Kelowna, the Turtle Island Gallery features Aboriginal artwork from across BC, such as carvings, masks and jewellery.
At the Snaza’ist Discovery Centre in Hedley (near Princeton), discover the thousand-year old pictographs, an ancient art form of rock painting used by the Similkameen First Nations. The area around Princeton and Hedley contains some of the highest concentrations of pictographs in BC.
Festivals & Events
Held in Kamloops, Bizarre Bazaar is a free, weekly celebration of local artisans, crafters, and entertainers, featuring handcrafted original art works and crafts during summer months.
At the Kamloops Art Walk, local artists’ work is featured in stores and shops along Kamloops’ North Shore, during the late summer months.
The Lake Country Art Walk is a two-day show featuring more than 200 Okanagan artists, and is one of the largest art shows outside of Vancouver. It's a perfect opportunity to connect directly with artists, participate in workshops or enjoy some of the Okanagan’s famous food and wine. Lake Country is located on Highway 97, halfway between Kelowna and Vernon.